Robinson fulfills childhood dream

Troy quarterback Corey Robinson pregame before facing Tennessee.

Growing up, Troy quarterback Corey Robinson was a diehard Tennessee fan. He always dreamed of playing in Neyland Stadium. On Saturday, he got his chance.

Read my previous story on Robinson and Tennessee HERE.

Robinson received plenty high-fives and handshakes from Tennessee players and eventually fans as he reached the tunnel leading off the field after the 55-48 Volunteers victory. The junior threw for 393 yards and a touchdown as he led the Trojans to 721 total offensive yards, the most surrendered by a UT defense in the 121-year history of the program.

“This was the place the I always wanted to come; the place I loved growing up in Lexington, Tenn.,” Robinson said. “This is the first time getting to play on the field against UT. It felt good.”

While Robinson walked away on the short end of a record-setting decision, he and his team left a mark that will go down in both the Tennessee and Troy annals. The combined 103 points scored by the teams was the most in Neyland Stadium since the Vols defeated American University 104-0 in 1905.

Robinson and Deon Anthony combined to throw for 496 yards against Tennessee.

“It was a long, grueling week of film with our quarterbacks coach (Sean Reagan). He found some tendencies on (Tennessee) that really turned out to help me an Deon both out,” Robinson said. “Our receivers and running backs, just everyone made great plays.”

Blakeney: ‘I have no answers’

Game story

While Troy obviously has no answers on the field for the team’s defensive issues, head coach Larry Blakeney doesn’t have any answers off the field either. It appears the only thing that can make this group better is a new group altogether.

“We’ve certainly got to address some of our woes over there (on defense). Probably, we’ll have to address them in recruiting. We have to continue to recruit people that can play over there.”

“We won’t be able to close the deal on a quality offense until we get better on defense. I’ve got no answers. I’m just hoping that we’ll rectify some of those issues in the near future.”

Amidst the uproar after last week’s loss to Florida Atlantic, in which the defense allowed 421 yards to the Sun Belt’s most anemic offense, Blakeney defended his coaches, but also accepted responsibility.

“Everybody is going to say ‘fire my coaches’. We’re 4-5 now after this loss, everybody wants me to fire the coaches. Hey, I’ve been in the room with the coaches, I know what they do. I don’t think we’re dumb on defense. Them getting the signals, getting lined up and taking care of their responsibility. We’ve got to take a little bit of that blame. I don’t think we’re quite to the talent level we’ve been on defense.”

Troy allowed 718 total yards to Tennessee, the most the Trojans have ever allowed in a football game. The most prior to Saturday’s game was when Tim Tebow led the Florida Gators to 663 yards in 2009.

VIDEO: Troy-Tennessee pregame

Troy at Tennessee

Neyland Stadium (Knoxville, Tenn.)

GameDay: Troy-Tennessee

Neyland Stadium

Troy (4-4, 3-3 Sun Belt) at Tennessee (3-5, 0-5 SEC)

Neyland Stadium   11 a.m.   ESPN 3

TWITTER UPDATES: @messenger_wes

Troy:

The Trojans enter the game looking to rebound after a disappointing loss to Florida Atlantic on the road. Troy needs two victories to become bowl eligible, but it will likely take seven wins to get them in a bowl.

Troy’s passing attack led by quarterback Corey Robinson ranks 22nd in the country (292.4 ypg). The Trojans are scoring 27.9 points per games, good enough for 65th.

Troy’s defense is allowing 26.9 points per game which ranks 63rd nationally. Linebacker Kanorris Davis said earlier in the week that it is unlikely that he will play vs. UT. If he can’t go, look for De’Von Terry to take his spot.

Games remaining: vs. Navy, vs. Arkansas State, at Middle Tennessee

Note: DB Shaq Beverly made the trip with the team so it appears his suspension has been lifted. The freshman had been suspended since Oct. 18.

Tennessee:

The Volunteers have lost four consecutive game, all to ranked teams. In fact, all five of Tennessee’s losses have been at the hands of teams inside the top 19.

The Vols offense has been one of the most potent in the country, posting 34.5 points per game while racking up 297 passing yards per contest. Junior quarterback Tyler Bray leads the SEC in passing yards and touchdowns.

Like Troy, the Tennessee defense has found it difficult to slow opposing offenses allowing 33.9 points per game, which stands 104th in the NCAA.

Games remaining: vs. Missouri, at Vanderbilt, vs. Kentucky

Note: Tennessee’s leading rusher Rajion Neal has missed the past two games (ankle), but resumed practice this week. He will be a game time decision.

From the Other Side – Tennessee w/ Wes Rucker

Wes Rucker, Senior Writer for GoVols247.com, was our guest this week as Troy readies to take on Tennessee.

Kickoff from Neyland Stadium is set for 11 a.m.

Follow Wes Rucker on Twitter: @wesrucker247

Read Wes Rucker at GoVols247.com or listen to his radio show, Swain and Rucker, on Tennessee Sports Radio.

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